The second expanded meeting on the Cyprus problem concluded in New York with limited progress and plans for further talks.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the discussions “constructive” and confirmed that another trilateral meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar will be held during the UN General Assembly in September, followed by a broader summit after the Turkish Cypriot elections in October.
Progress was reported on four previously agreed initiatives: a bicommunal youth committee, environmental cooperation, cemetery restoration, and demining. However, no breakthroughs were made on opening new crossing points or launching a proposed solar farm in the buffer zone.
Guterres stated: “We have reached an agreement on the crossing points themselves,” though Turkish Cypriot sources disputed this, citing disagreements over proposed “transit corridors” by the Greek Cypriot side.
Christodoulides remained hopeful, saying: “We are seeing small but significant progress, step by step, towards the great goal… the resolution of the Cyprus problem.” He said the Greek Cypriot side had accepted Turkish Cypriot proposals for two new crossings but awaited a response to their own.
Tatar, however, criticised the Greek Cypriot leadership, accusing them of pursuing “property-related criminal pursuits” against Turkish Cypriots and creating fear and distrust. “These actions… are aimed at damaging our economy and our tourism,” he said.
Tatar also reiterated the Turkish Cypriot stance that formal negotiations will not resume unless their “sovereign equality and equal international status” is recognised.
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, who was also present at the meeting, described it as “extremely productive” and stressed the need for unity: “The message of a united Cyprus is necessary today in the world, which is experiencing strife, wars, and a great level of intolerance.”
Source: Cyprus Mail
